Save Lady Flower Gardens: An Appeal sent to the City of Edmonton by Bridge Garderners
January, 2015
To whom it may concern
Re: Save Riverbend Farm Land and Lady Flower Gardens
We are new Canadians who arrived in Edmonton in 2011 and were introduced to Doug and Kelly the owners of Riverbend Farm and Lady Flower Gardens in 2013. They welcomed us and have since opened for us opportunities in the gardening activities. During the spring and summer months, Doug and Kelly offer us plots of land where we grow our own crops, mainly vegetables to supplement our income. They also offer us opportunity to work in the community garden in exchange for produce that we are not growing in our plots like carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumber, onions, kale, pumpkin, to name but a few. We also get to participate in harvesting for the food bank and any other charities.
We have benefited i many ways through our working at Lady Flower Gardens. In particular, we have met many people from many countries and made friends with them; we have learnt several farming practices and also shared experience and practices from our countries of origin; we have had access to spaces to relax and enjoy nature; the beautiful forest and vegetation surrounding the farm; we have organized and attended social activities involving people of diverse cultures that come to the farm and above all, we have been able to grow our own fresh, organic crops and take loads of harvest home which we share with friends . The nutritional, social and economic benefits have been very significant and above all, the sense of belonging and support is unmatched and greatly appreciated.
The number of people coming to the garden has grown since 2013 and we believe that the Doug and Kelly’s selflessness, generosity and their inclusive strategy of running the garden is endearing many people to the same. We therefore wish to appeal for your support, in ensuring this model of social development and support to the community is not destroyed as many people will be affected. We instead urge you to support further development of this farm as it has supported the social, economic, nutrition and health of many Edmontonians and has the potential to contribute more in the future.
We, the undersigned wish to request you to save the above-named farmland from being destroyed as a result of the planned infrastructure development in the area. These gardens are making a great contribution to the livelihoods of Edmontonians and in particular to the new comers to the city, new Canadians, people with low income and people looking for social inclusion.
We wish to thank you in anticipation of your support.
Jane Frances Asaba …..……………………………
Lucy Kaakyo ……………………………………….
On behalf of The Bridge Gardeners
To whom it may concern
Re: Save Riverbend Farm Land and Lady Flower Gardens
We are new Canadians who arrived in Edmonton in 2011 and were introduced to Doug and Kelly the owners of Riverbend Farm and Lady Flower Gardens in 2013. They welcomed us and have since opened for us opportunities in the gardening activities. During the spring and summer months, Doug and Kelly offer us plots of land where we grow our own crops, mainly vegetables to supplement our income. They also offer us opportunity to work in the community garden in exchange for produce that we are not growing in our plots like carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, cucumber, onions, kale, pumpkin, to name but a few. We also get to participate in harvesting for the food bank and any other charities.
We have benefited i many ways through our working at Lady Flower Gardens. In particular, we have met many people from many countries and made friends with them; we have learnt several farming practices and also shared experience and practices from our countries of origin; we have had access to spaces to relax and enjoy nature; the beautiful forest and vegetation surrounding the farm; we have organized and attended social activities involving people of diverse cultures that come to the farm and above all, we have been able to grow our own fresh, organic crops and take loads of harvest home which we share with friends . The nutritional, social and economic benefits have been very significant and above all, the sense of belonging and support is unmatched and greatly appreciated.
The number of people coming to the garden has grown since 2013 and we believe that the Doug and Kelly’s selflessness, generosity and their inclusive strategy of running the garden is endearing many people to the same. We therefore wish to appeal for your support, in ensuring this model of social development and support to the community is not destroyed as many people will be affected. We instead urge you to support further development of this farm as it has supported the social, economic, nutrition and health of many Edmontonians and has the potential to contribute more in the future.
We, the undersigned wish to request you to save the above-named farmland from being destroyed as a result of the planned infrastructure development in the area. These gardens are making a great contribution to the livelihoods of Edmontonians and in particular to the new comers to the city, new Canadians, people with low income and people looking for social inclusion.
We wish to thank you in anticipation of your support.
Jane Frances Asaba …..……………………………
Lucy Kaakyo ……………………………………….
On behalf of The Bridge Gardeners